Aegir and Ran - Norse Mythology for Smart People Norse Mythology for Smart People Aegir and Ran “Ran” by Johannes Gehrts (1901) Aegir (pronounced “EYE-geer;” Old Norse Ægir) and Ran (pronounced “RAN;” Old Norse Rán) are two of the most often-mentioned giants in Norse mythology. Unfortunately, as fragmentary as the sources for our knowledge of Norse mythology are, that doesn’t come out to a particularly large number of mentions. Still, some of the most general characteristics attributed to Aegir and Ran by the pre-Christian Norse can be discerned. Aegir and Ran are, respectively, husband and wife. They dwell in a magnificent hall beneath the ocean, and can be seen as the animating powers of the ocean and its varying qualities. Aegir (“Ocean”), who is often portrayed as a gracious host, seems to correspond to its more benevolent aspects. Ran (“Robber”[1]) seems to correspond to its more sinister aspects; in Old Norse poetry, she’s usually mentioned in the context of drowning unfortunate seafarers and dragging them down to dwell in her underwater abode.

While the relationship between the Aesir gods and the giants is ambivalent at best, and often marked by considerable strife, Aegir and Ran enjoy an overwhelmingly friendly relationship with the gods. The gods are apparently regular guests at Aegir’s magnificent feasts. Together the couple has nine daughters, who are usually interpreted as being spirits of the waves. Looking for more great information on Norse mythology and religion? While this site provides the ultimate online introduction to the topic, my book The Viking Spirit provides the ultimate introduction to Norse mythology and religion period. I’ve also written a popular list of The 10 Best Norse Mythology Books , which you’ll probably find helpful in your pursuit. References: Aegir Aegir by Micha F. Lindemans Aegir is the god of the sea in Norse mythology. He was both worshipped and feared by sailors, for they believed that Aegir would occasionally appear on the surface to take ships, men and cargo alike, with him to his hall at the bottom of the ocean. Sacrifices were made to appease him, particularly prisoners before setting sail.

His wife is the sea goddess Ran with whom he has nine daughters (the billow maidens), who wore white robes and veils. His two faithful servants are Eldir and Fimafeng. The latter was killed by the treacherous god Loki during a banquet the gods held at Aegir's undersea hall near the island of Hler (or Hlesey). Aegir was known for the lavish entertainment he gave to the other gods. Article details: Aegir Pantheon: Norse Mythology Aegir is the god of the sea. He is one of the Vanir and a giant. His father was Mistarblindi [Mist-Blind], and his brothers were Logi [Fire], and Kari [Air]. His faithful servants are Eldir [fire-kindler] and Fimafeng [Handy]. Aegir lived with his wife (and sister) the sea goddess Ran under the sea by the island of Hlesey (or Hler). Aegir had nine daughters with Ran. They wore white robes and veils and were known as the billow maidens.

They represent the different kinds of waves and are named: Himinglaeva, Dufa, Blodughadda, Hefring, Unn, Hron, Bylgia, Bara and Kolga. Aegir was both feared and worshipped by sailors, for they believed that he would sometimes surface to destroy ships and take the ships and men alike to his hall at the bottom of the sea. He was also known to cause storms with his anger. He was also called Hler and Gymir [the Blinder] (the name of Gerd's father -- it is not known if they are one and the same). Aegir brewed ale for the gods after Thor brought him a big enough kettle. Every winter the gods would drink beer at Aegir's home. Aegir is therfore known for his hospitality. Instead of having a fire, gold was put onto the floor of the hall to provide light. Gold is therefore called Aegir's fire. The cups in Aegir's hall were always full, magically refilling themselves. During one of his banquets the treacherous god Loki slew his servant Fimafeng.

Also known as: Gymir [the Blinder], Hler Old Norse: Ægir Aegir | The Norse Gods The Norse Gods In The Gods Aegir is the god of the sea in Norse mythology. He was both worshipped and feared by sailors, for they believed that Aegir would occasionally appear on the surface to take ships, men and cargo alike, with him to his hall at the bottom of the ocean. Sacrifices were made to appease him, particularly prisoners before setting sail. His wife is the sea goddess Ran with whom he has nine daughters (the billow maidens), who wore white robes and veils. His two faithful servants are Eldir and Fimafeng. The latter was killed by the treacherous god Loki during a banquet the gods held at Aegir’s undersea hall near the island of Hler (or Hlesey). Aegir was known for the lavish entertainment he gave to the other gods. AEGIR - the Norse God of the Sea (Norse mythology) AEGIR God of the Sea As with all Sea Gods, he is worshipped and feared by sailors.

It always pays to respect watery Gods, especially AEGIR as he has a fondness for dragging ships and men down to his halls. But as he is well-known for his wonderful parties, it could just be his way of avoiding gate-crashers. His is married to Sea Goddess RAN , and sea froth is caused by his Underwater Brewery. See also HYMIR . AEGIR FACTS AND FIGURES In charge of : the Ocean God of : Sea, Seas, Ocean, Oceans Celebration or Feast Day : Unknown at present Good/Evil Rating : Unknown at present Popularity index : 26601 Cite this Link to this page HTML: To link to this page, just copy and paste the text below into your blog, web page or email. <a href="">Godchecker entry on AEGIR, the Norse God of the Sea</a> BBCODE: To link to this page in a forum post or comment box, just copy and paste the text below: [url= entry on AEGIR, the Norse God of the Sea[/url] Cite this article Here's the info you need to cite this page. Just copy the text in the box below.

Saunders, Chas, and Peter J. Allen, eds. "AEGIR - the Norse God of the Sea (Norse mythology)." <em>Godchecker</em>. Godchecker.com / CID, 31 Oct. 2013. Web. 19 January 2017. . 31 October 2013 by Rowan Allen. Editors: Peter J Allen, Chas Saunders References: Coming soon. Ægir | Mythology Wiki | Fandom powered by Wikia Edit Aegir In Snorri Sturluson 's Skáldskaparmál , Ægir is identified with Gymir and Hlér (anglicized as Hler), who lived on the isle of Hlésey . However, elsehere, Gymir is the name of the jotunn father of the beautiful maiden Gerd (the wife of Freyr ) as well as the husband of Aurboða . In Lokasenna , he hosts a party for the gods where he provides the ale brewed in an enormous pot or cauldron provided by Tyr . During the party, Loki enters and begins to insult the gods in turn. This results in Loki's eventual incarceration until Ragnarok .

The story of Tyr getting the kettle for the brewing is told in Hymiskviða . The prose header of Lokasenna states that his hall is a place of sanctuary lit with bright gold and where the beer pours itself. Origins and Family Edit Many versions of myths portray him as a jotun , however, some do not. In some texts, he is referred to as something older than the jotun, and his origins are unexplained; "Ægir (the sea), like his brothers Kari (the air) and Logi (fire), is supposed to have belonged to an older dynasty of the gods, for he ranked neither with the Æsir, the Vanas , the giants, dwarfs , or elves , but was considered omnipotent within his realm." [1] Ægir would therefore have to be a giant. However, the brotherhood of Kari, Ægir and Loki is most probably just symbolic, as they represent the elements of classical myth. Ægir is a son of Fornjót , a jotunn, and brother of Logi (fire) and Kári (wind). Ægir is said to have had nine daughters with his wife, Rán .

His daughters were called the billow maidens. They were named Bára (or Dröfn ), Blóðughadda , Bylgja , Dúfa , Hefring , Himinglæva , Hrönn , Kólga , and Unnr , each name reflecting a different characteristic of ocean waves. Snorri lists them twice in Skáldskaparmál but in one instance he replaces Bára with Dröfn. Heimdall is described as being the son of nine maidens, sometimes depicted as waves. Ægir's daughters may or may not be those maidens. Family tree Aegir, Norse Sea God - Windows to the Universe RSS Feeds Aegir Aegir was a fierce god of the sea. He had fingers like claws. His wife was named Ran, and they had nine daughters, the maidens believed to move the waves. Aegir would sometimes appear on the sea to destroy ships. Often, he and his wife would use nets to capture sailors, and take them down into his underwater kingdom. Captain's would give coins to every sailor, so if they were captured they would have a gift for the gods.

Saxon pirates would often sacrifice every tenth prisoner, ensuring a safe journey across Aegir's sea. Aegir was shown as a powerful god, often holding a spear. He is very similar to the Greek god Poseidon . Shop Windows to the Universe Science Store! Aegir | Define Aegir at Dictionary.com Aegir noun, Scandinavian Mythology. 1. a sea god, husband of Ran, and host at feast of the gods spoiled by Loki. Origin of Aegir < Old Norse Ægir, akin to Old Norse ā river, water, Gothic ahwa water, Latin aqua Dictionary.com Unabridged Examples from the Web for Aegir Expand Historical Examples Among the passengers on the Aegir, we mentioned Nils Frland. Viking Tales Jennie Hall On the 4th of July, 1837, Aegir sailed from Bergen with eighty-two passengers. The Story of Siegfried James Baldwin This man was one of the passengers on the Aegir, who had just then arrived in Detroit. "I heard the 'Song to Aegir' once," remarked Falbe, with a perfectly level intonation. Michael E. F.

Benson British Dictionary definitions for Aegir Expand (Norse myth) the god of the sea Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012 The story of Ægir – Flamsbrygga Contact us From Norse mythology to a brewery in Flåm In the Norse mythology, Ægir is described as a giant, the brother of Kári (Wind) and Logi (Fire) and the master of the ocean. Ægir’s hall is lit not by fire but instead by bright gold. Every year he invites the Norse gods to a great feast in his hall, Brime, where the beer and the food are magically transported to the guests and the drinking-horns fill themselves. According to Odin, Ægir brews the best ale.

He has the world’s biggest brewing kettle, a mile deep, which Tor stole from the giant Hyme and gave to him. In Ægir’s hall the gods were never allowed to fight, and anyone making trouble was banished for all eternity. With Ægir as our inspiration, we have created a brewery with adjacent alehouse bearing his name. Both have been a huge success since they opened in June 2007, and a growing number of fine restaurants and pubs throughout Norway insist on serving our beer. We are of the opinion that good beer, like good wine, should fit the occasion and suit your taste; that is why we are proud to offer you quite a selection, with some exciting seasonal variations. With Ægir and Norse Mythology as a theme, we have created a brewpub bearing his name. The brewery opened in June of 2007 and has been very successful. Our beers are also available at many stores, bars and restaurants in Norway, with new customers being added steadily. We believe that people deserve a choice when it comes to varieties of beer, just as with good food or wine, and it is therefore that we offer many varieties in our beer selection.

Our beer list includes primarily ales but also lagers with inspiration from craft breweries throughout the world, especially the USA. Our founder and brewmaster, American Evan Lewis, started homebrewing in 1989 and through both experience and formal education has created his versions of both well-known and more obscure beer styles. Each of our fermentation vats produces 1000 litres at a time, yielding an annual production of 120,000 litres. Most of what we produce is sold and transported to discerning clients throughout Norway. Ægir opened a new production brewery in Flåm in June 2012. The new facility has a capacity of 3500 litres per brew, and an annual production capacity of 600,000 litres. The brewery is designed so that this may gradually be increased to 2,000,000 litres per year. In autumn 2011 Ægir started a distillery in Flåm, in order to expand its offerings. Initially we will be producing an aquavit made from barley, herbs and spices, but there are already plans to add blended and single-malt whisky to our selection.

See our beer selection and contact us directly regarding questions about Ægir Brewery or if you have feedback on our brews: info@aegirbryggeri.no . Norse Aegir In Norse mythology, Aegir is the god of the sea. The meaning of his name is associated with water. He was also called Hler and Gymir [the Blinder] (the name of Gerd's father -- it is not known if they are one and the same). Aegir was the god of the seashore or ocean, and called the ruler of the sea by Snorri. He was a personification of the ocean, be it good or evil. He caused storms with his anger and the skalds said a ship went into "Aegir's wide jaws" when it wrecked. Sailors feared Aegir, and thought he would sometimes surface to destroy ships. According to Sidonius, early Saxons made human sacrifices to a god of the sea, possibly connected with Aegir. Aegir was one of the Vanir and a giant.

His father was Mistarblindi [Mist-Blind], and his brothers, Logi [Fire] (identified by Guerber as Loki), and Kari [Air]. Aegir's wife (and sister) was Ran and they lived under the sea by the island Hlesey. Ran and Aegir had nine daughters who were the waves -- all of their names are poetic names for waves. Aegir brewed ale for the gods after Thor brought him a big enough kettle. Every winter the gods would drink beer at Aegir's home. He was, therefore, famed for his hospitality. Instead of having a fire, gold was put onto the floor of the hall to provide light. Gold is therefore called Aegir's fire. The cups in Aegir's hall were always full, magically refilling themselves. Aegir had two servants in his hall, Fimafeng [Handy] and Eldir [Fire-Kindler]. According to Lee Hollander, Aegir's function as the gods' ale brewer was suggested by the ocean's foam. After the death of Balder, the gods gathered for a feast in Aegir's hall.

Loki showed up and insulted everyone (this is told in Lokasenna in the Poetic Edda). The gods couldn't do Loki harm in the hall since it was a sanctuary where no violence could be committed. It is interesting to note that in Snorri's Gylfaginning [see Edda] Aegir is not mentioned as one of the gods, and in part of his Skaldskaparmal Aegir, also referred to as Hler, was a man "very skilled in magic" living on the island Hlesey who went to visit the gods in Asgard. During his visit he listened as Bragi told him of the gods' adventures. In Egil's Saga, after the death by drowning of Egil's second son Bothvar, Egil composed the poem Sonatorrek which mentions Aegir: Sure, if sword could venge Such cruel wrong, Evil times would wait Aegir, ocean-god. That wind-giant's brother Were I strong to slay, 'Gainst him and his sea-brood Battling would I go. But I in no wise Boast, as I ween Strength that may strive With the stout ships' bane.

(Leach, A Pageant of Old Scandinavia, p. 321.) Aegir is considered a proto-god, but he is also the God of the Sea -- an ancient god who is God of the Sea. He dwells in the sea and is old. He makes great storms and tempests and hurricanes in the ocean as he pleases. He takes great pleasure in sinking shiips. He sees sailors as intruders. His major epithet is "The Concealer." He hides ships forever. The ocean is called "Aegir's Brewing Vat." Like the sea gods of other cultures, he has sway over whatever goes on in the ocean. One of the three sea divinities, the other two being Njord and Mimir. He is said to belong to an older dynasty of gods, for he is not ranked among the ï¿½sir, the Vanir, the giants, dwarfs, or elves, but is considered omnipotent within his realm. Aesir The Aesir were the principal gods in Norse mythology. They lived in Asgard. One of two races of gods in Norse mythology, the other being the Vanir.

The ï¿½sir reside in Asgard under the leadership of Odin. Listed among the ï¿½sir are Balder, Bragi, Forseti, Frigg, Heimdall, Idunn, Sif, Thor, Ull, Vali, and Vidar. Agnar B Balder In Norse mythology, Balder was the son of Odin and Freya and husband of Nanna, and the best, wisest, and most loved of all the gods. He was killed, at Loki's instigation, by a twig of mistletoe shot by the blind god Hodur. One of the Aesir, his name means "The Glorious". He was also called the "god of tears" and the "white as". Balder, the son of Odin and Frigg, was described as a very handsome and wise god. Some consider him to be a god of light since he was so bright, light shined from him. Balder's wife was Nanna and they had a son named Forseti. Balder and Nanna lived in Breidablik [The Broad-Gleaming], where nothing unclean could be and there were "fewest baneful runes".

Breidablik had a silver roof on golden pillars. At one point Balder had a foreboding dream. Odin rode to Hel's realm to wake a volva from the dead to find out the meaning of Balder's dream. She foretold Balder's death by Hod (Hodur), his fraternal twin. Frigg asked all things to swear not to hurt Balder but didn't ask the mistletoe because it was so young. Loki, diguised as an old woman, visited Frigg and found out Balder was invunerable to everything but mistletoe. Loki made a dart out of mistletoe and tricked the blind god Hod into throwing it at Balder -- all the other gods were playing games by throwing various items at Balder --, thus killing him. Hermod rode to Hel's realm and got her to agree to let Balder return to the living if all things would weep for him. One giantess named Thokk, Loki in disguise, refused to weep for Balder, so he remained dead and was cremated on his funeral boat, hringhorni. He is supposed to come back to life after the Ragnarok.

A more complete retelling of Snorri's account of Balder's death is available online. Snorri and Saxo Grammaticus give very different views of Balder and his death. In Saxo's version of this story, Hod (Hother) is alone responsible for Balder's death. Balder's name rarely occurs in place names, therefore, it is thought that not many people worshipped him. It has been suggested that Balder was an ancient hero who was elevated to divinity. The poets used his name to mean warrior. Balder is also mentioned in the Merseburg charm. The most beautiful of the gods. He is worshipped as the pure and radiant god of innocence and light. His snowy brow and golden locks seem to radiate beams of sunshine which gladdens the hearts of gods and men, by whom he is equally beloved. The god of light is well versed in the science of runes, which are carved on his tongue. The only thing hidden from Balder's radiant eyes is the perception of his own ultimate fate. Barley Byggvir The jotun father of Bestla and of a son whose name is unknown. Bor Son of Buri.

His wife was Bestla, daughter of the frost giant Bolthorn. Bor was the father of Odin, Vili, and Ve. Bragi In Norse mythology, Bragi is the god of poetry and eloquence. He was married to the goddess Iduna who dwelt in the underworld. God of poetry, (adopted?) son of Odin and the giantess Gunlod. He was the chief poet of Odin and said to be very wise. He was married to Idun and he had runes cut on his tounge. In The Lay of Hakon, Bragi is in Valhalla with Odin who tells Bragi to go out and greet Hakon as he arrives. Bragi is also in Valhalla alongside Odin in The Lay of Eirik, and Odin refers to Bragi as one who "knowest everything well". During the feast in Asgard attended by Aegir, it is Bragi who relates to Aegir the tales of the gods. There was a 9th century skald named Bragi Boddason and some believe he may have been raised to a god by later writers. Others believe Bragi was an aspect of Odin.

Bragi, the poet and musician of the Gods (the Aesir) Bragi is not featured in many of the surviving Norse myths, but it is believed that he is revered by all save Loki. Because of Odin's knowledge of poetry and his adventures with the Mead of Poetry some scholars see Bragi as another facet of Odin's personality and not a separate god. According to other sources Bragi was a poet that was elevated to the rank of god due to the respect that was given to poets. Brisings' Necklace, Brisingamen One of Odhinn's wolves. Freki translates as fierce. Freya God of weather and fertility. Freya, the twin sister of Frey. She is considered the Goddess of Love. She is strikingly gorgeous. Ans she is made even more beautiful when she wears her Brising necklace which was made by dwarves out of the twinkling of the stars. This is how she got it: The dwarves made it and went to her and showed it to her. She is very egocentric (archetypal trait of love goddesses) and wants it very badly. The three ugly dwarves demand that she has to have sex with all three of these ugly dwarves.

She says, "What?! -- All right." And she does it. (Having seduced every male god in Asgard and Vanaheim, Loki accuses her of leaping like a nannygoat from bed to bed.) Freya is also the Goddess of War, because love and hate were seen as basically the same emotion just redirected. After a battle, she comes down and leads the Valkyries (beautiful women flying through the air on horses), and they take the spirits back to Valhalla and splits them with Odin. Freya and come and go from the Underworld without any problem. For a while she was married to Odur (a traveler), but he left her and never returned. She was devastated and wept copiously. Some say she still weeps and the tears fall to Earth where they land they sometimes turn stones soft or turn them to gold. If her tears land in the sea, they turn stones to amber. She has the falcon cloak (or "cape" or "garb"). It is made of falcon feathers. The cloak enables the wearer to fly. She rides in a chariot drawn by cats (an interesting symbol). ALL the Frost Giants lust after her.

The goddess of love and fertility, she came to Asgard with her brother, Freyr, and her father, Njord. Freya was exceedingly beautiful and many fell in love with her, including giants, dwarfs and men. Freya is said to have a talent for witchcraft and it is said that when she came to Asgard she instructed the gods about magic charms and potions. Freya also has a warlike side and shares Odin's love of battle. She and Odin share the slain heroes between them, so that some go to Valhalla and others are chosen by Freya to be entertained at her hall, Sessrumnir. Freya's boar, the gold-bristled Hildisvini, was a symbol of war. As well as a boar chariot, Freya had a chariot pulled by two gray or black cats. She had a falcon skin that she sometimes donned to fly away. She lent the falcon skin to Loki in the stories of Idunn's Apples and The Theft of Thor's Hammer. Her most precious possession is the Brisings' Necklace. Goddess of sex, fertility, war, and wealth. Originally one of the Vanir.

She was the daughter of Njord, and the sister of Frey. Her daughters, by Od, are named Hnoss, who is so beautiful that whatever is valuable and lovely is named "treasure" after her, and Gersemi. She lived in Folkvang [battlefield] and each day chose half of the slain warriors to split with Odin. She had a husband named Od, whom she somehow lost and cried golden tears for. Many believe Od is Odin. Her chariot was drawn by male cats (their names are never stated) and she owned the precious Brisings' necklace, which she slept with four dwarves to acquire. She also owned a feather coat wh Freyr, Frey In Norse mythology, Freyr was Odin in another form as the god of rain, sunshine and fruits. He married Gredr. ich she could use to fly between the worlds. After she went to live with the Aesir as a hostage, she taught them -- including Odin -- seidr. Some sources say Friday is named after her. He is the lord of the sun, rain and harvests. He is a shining god, bringing fertility and prosperity to all.

Freyr was one of the Vanir gods that went to live in Asgard after theWar between the ï¿½sir and Vanir. His home is Alfheim and he is sometimes known as lord of the Alfs (elves). The ship Skidbladnir was given to him as was Gullinbrusti. He also possessed a magic sword that struck out at Jotuns of its own accord. He gave his sword to Skirnir as a price for his wooing of Gerda. He ruled over the land of the light elves, Alfheim. He was the son of Njord and Njord's sister (mayhaps Ingun), and the brother of Freya. His step-mother was Skadi. To make peace, the Aesir and Vanir exchanged hostages. He, along with Njord and Freya, were sent by the Vanir to dwell with the Aesir. He owned the ship Skidbladnir which was made for him by dwarves. It could sail on the land, sea, or through the air. It was large enough to hold all the gods, yet could be folded up and fit into a pocket.

He also owned a chariot drawn by two boars, Gullinbursti and Slidrugtanni. He could ride Gullinbursti [golden-bristled] through the sky. It was made by dwarfs for Loki to give to Frey. His name means "Lord" and it is thought that he was at one time the consort of his sister Freya [Lady]. His wife was Gerd, a beautiful giantess who he fell in love with when he espied her from Odin's throne. He sent his servant, Skirnir, to win her for him. For this task, Frey lent Skirnir his sword which "swings itself if wise he who wields it" and his horse. After Skirnir's threatening of her, Gerd agreed to give herself to Frey in nine nights at the forest Barri. At the Ragnarok, Frey will be killed by the fire giant Surt. Also known as Yng, Frey is named as the progenitor of the swedish royal family. There was a statue of Frey in the temple at Uppsala in Sweden, the center of his cult. Frey, God of the Sun (solar deity).

Frey and Freya are twins, brother and sister. They are Vanir. Frey is also the god of warm spring and summer showers. He is put in charge of Alfheim (home of the light elves) because of his characteristics. The elves obey him. Frey has a sword. He shines brilliant gold. So does his sword, which will fight by itself and magically defeat any enemy when he draws it. Not only does his gold color represent the sun, it also represents the golden grain which grows because of the sun's rays. Since he is the God of the Sun, at a certain time of the year he is called Jul. The sun is though of as a wheel in the sky. "Jul" means wheel. The wheel would roll away and return beginning on Midwinter's Day. This is called Yuletide -- the season of the wheel. It is a month of rejoicing. The Scandinavians would take wheels of dry wood to hill tops, set them alight with fire, and then roll them down into ponds. This took place at Winter's Solstice. Frey was Vanir and therefore a foreigner in Asgard.

One day, he even went to sit on Odin's throne because he didn't know any better. Frey looked far north and saw the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She was the daughter of a giant. Her name was Gerda. Frey wanted to marry her but was too shy to ask, so he sat around and moped instead. Finally, his assistant Skyrnir came to him to find out what was bothering him. Skyrnir said, "I'll go in your place and woo her, but it will cost you your magic sword." Frey consented, blinded by love. Skyrnir took Frey's image (i.e., he looked like him) to court Gerda who wasn't interested. Finally he said, "If you don't consent, your body will have no more heat. Your body will wither and dry up and you will be an ugly old woman at whom no one will look." So she agreed. She said she'd be there in nine days. The two were married. The sword was lost. Gerda = Erda which means "earth." The metaphor represents the sun wooing the earth with warmth followed by nine months of winter.

Frigg, Frigga, Frija, Fricka Goddess of marriage. She is the wife of Odin, and Friday is named for her (according to some). Her abode was called Fensalir [The Ocean Halls]. She weaved the clouds. Frigga is a goddess closely associated with Frey and Freya. No one is sure after which of the three "Friday" is named. Frigga and Freya may be alteregos. Frigga is the Goddess of Cloudy Skies (not of Vanir but Aesir). She is always wearing either a black robe or a white robe. Sometimes Odin is displayed in a black robe. Sometimes the robe has stars on it. This could be associated with the current concept of a wizard's robe. The robe is the night sky because Odin is a storm god. Frigga is Odin's wife. She is Queen of the Gods. She has knowledge of the future but WILL NOT tell. She is very beautiful, but she is not thought of the same way as Freya. She has a maternal and wifely kind of beauty. Freya is the Goddess of War and Love. Frigga does love beautiful jewelry and clothing.

She wears in her tiara plumes of heron, symbolizing silence (this suggests her refusal to reveal the future). She wears a ring of keys at her belt (like a jailer) symbolizing her role as housewife (a standard Scandinavian symbol). Females ran the household in complete dominance -- Frigga is the patron goddess of housewives and mothers. Because of this, she is almost always alone, as wives tended to be. She sits at a spinning wheel, spinning alone for long hours in the Hall of Mists. (In the night sky, what we know as the Belt of Orion, is known to the Sacndinavians as "Frigga's Spinning Wheel.") It is not a terribly joyful life. And yet she has her own large hall to which the spirits of certain people go when they die. It is the hall which houses the spirits of true lovers, and they are never parted. Frigga has other names: Jï¿½rd /yerd/ = Earth; Bertha or Ertha. She does control some aspects of fertility. Another of her names is Eastra /ay ahs' tra/ = spring (origin of our word "Easter").

Three gods came from Vanir: Frey, Freya, and their father Njord. He bore his children on his sister, and the Aesir did not like that very much. It makes the Vanir look more primitive, thus making the Aesir superior. Njord is associated with the ocean and shores. He is the God of Offshore Waters and the Winds. His palace is on the seashore. (Most temples to him are also on the seashore.) Njord is the patron god of fishermen and commerce/merchants. Under Njord's control are ALL ships entering and leaving port, thus all trade belongs to him. In addition, he is the God of Summer because climates are most temperate near the seashore. He is portrayed as a handsome young man wearing a short green tunic and a crown of seashells and seaweed. The Scandinavians prayed to Njord to stop storms and for a good harvest. Njord eventually marries Skadi. She is the Goddess of Scandinavian Weather. The chief of ï¿½sir goddess. She is associated with love, marriage, and motherhood.

She is frequently pictured as being very beautiful, wearing a girdle with household keys and weaving clouds on her spinning wheel. According to some sources Frigg is the mother of Thor. Also, some sources depict Frigg as a devoted wife and mother, others as a sorceress who wears a falcon skin and sees into the future, and as a wanton woman who covets gold and jewelry and the love of men. Due to these differing depictions it is difficult to get an accurate picture of what Frigg actually stood for. Some sources believe that Frigg and Freya are just various facets of one deity Fulla In Norse mythology, Fulla was attendant to Frigg. Listed by Snorri as one of the twelve divine goddesses, she appears mainly to function as Frigg's maid, taking care of the goddess's shoes. She also, sometimes, functions as Frigg's messenger. Some believe she is Frigg's sister. Snorri stated she was a virgin with long golden hair who wore a gold band around her head. It has been suggested that this band represents the binding around a sheaf of grain, making her a fertility goddess.

When Hermod rode to Hell to ask Hel if Baldr could return to Asgard, Nanna gave him a gold ring to give to Fulla, among other gifts. Fulla is called a maid of Frigg in The Lay of Gimnir in the Poetic Edda, and is sent on an errand by Frigg. We also have mention of Fulla in Gisla saga Surssonar : My Fulla, fair faced, the goddess of stones Who gladdens me much, shall hear of her friend Standing straight, unafraid in the rain of the spears... He died in combat in the crags soon after uttering these words. He had been fighting off his assailants with stones and sword, and was burried under stones, which was customary. Watches the rainbow bridge, >Bifrost , for the coming of the frost giants at the Ragnarok, at which time he will sound his horn Gjallar. In the Ragnarok, he and Loki will kill each other. He never sleeps, can see in the dark, and can hear sheep wool growing. His dwelling place is Himinbjorg [heavenly mountains]. Nine sisters, signifying the waves, gave birth to him.

As Rig, he begets Thrall, Carl, and Earl, representing the three classes of man; slave, freeman, and noble. Heimdall is a god chosen for his talents to be the guard at the gate on Bifrost bridge. He stands at the gate and is brilliant in white armor (steel armor highly polished like a mirror). His teeth are gold. He has a great sword. He is a fierce warrior and very handsome. His talents are that he can see 200 miles in complete darkness and that he can hear the grass growing. Three gods vied for the position, but Heimdall's talents secured it for him. Once a giant made a deal with an air spirit who was to sneak into Asgard to listen to the Gods' plans and tell the giant. Air spirits are invisible. The air spirit succeeded and was listening in to Odin and the Gods. Heimdall came in and said, "I have to resign because I have somehow sensed that something got past me and I di not stop it." So Odin magically freezes the air spirit, who is thus nabbed. They force an oath from the air spirit never to come again. And Heimdall is persuaded to stay at his post.

Heimdall carries a sword and the Gjallar horn. When a god comes to the gate, he blows the horm softly. If anyone tries to overwhelm him, he will blast it and get help immediately. The watchman of the gods. Heimdall is the guardian of Bifrost and he possesses the horn Giallar. His horse is Gulltop and his sword is Hofund. He is a great watchman as his eyesight is so sharp that he can see for 100 miles in all directions as plainly by night as by day, his hearing is such that he can hear the grass pushing up from under the earth and the wool growing on a sheep's back and he requires less sleep than a bird. He is also purported to have "second sight" that allows him to see into the future. Heimdall is also a clever god. It was his idea to send Thor to Jotunheim to retrieve Mjollnir from the giant Thrym. Heimdall was also known as Rig during his journey to Midgard. Hel, Hela Hel (Hela) was the Norse goddess of the underworld. Daughter of Loki and the giant Angurboda.

She is the sister of Fenrir (Fenris-wolf) and Jormungand (Midgard serpent). She is the goddess of the underworld. Her realm was Niflheim and her hall, Elvidnir [misery]. She was described as half white and half black. Goddess of death and the underworld, daughter of Loki and Angerboda. Sister to Fenris and Jormungand. According to the Prose Edda. Hel was terrible to look at, one-half of her was greenish black and the other a livid white, with flesh that seemed to be rotting like that of a corpse and her face was gloomy, grim and sinister. According to some sources, Hel is also one of the nine worlds of Norse mythology. It is in this world that the creature known as Hel resides. Hermod Messenger of the gods. He rode to Hel's realm after the death of Balder to try and convince her to let Balder come back from the dead. Son of Odin and Frigg, Hermod is a bold and brave god. He volunteered to go to Hel's domain to beg for the release of Balder.

Hermod stands at Odin's side at the gates of Valhalla to welcome the heroes gathering there. Hlin Snorri lists Hlin as a goddess charged with protecting those men who Frigg wants kept safe. Called by others a goddess of consolation who was supposed to "kiss away the tears of mourners". In most sources, Hlin is just another name for Frigg. Hildisvini O Od, Odur Husband of Freya and father of Hnossa. Odur left Freya to roam the earth. Some scholars believe Odur may have been Odhinn in one of his many disguises. Odin, Odhinn, Woden, Wuotan, Wotan Odin was chief god of Norse mythology. A sky god, he lived in Asgard, at the top of the world-tree, and from the Valkyries receives the souls of half of the heroic slain warriors, feasting with them in his great hall, Valhalla; the rest are feasted by Freya his wife. Leader of the Aesir. Odin had a myriad of names including Allfather, Ygg, Bolverk [evil doer], and Grimnir.

He also had many functions including being a god of war, poetry, wisdom, and death. His halls were called Gladsheim Valaskjalf and Valhalla. Odin's high seat, Hlidskialf, was in Valaskjalf. It was from this throne that he could see over all the world. Valhalla is where he gathered his portion of the slain warriors, Einheriar, whom the valkyries had chosen. The valkyries would serve mead which forever flowed from the udder of Odin's goat, Heidrun. They also served the warriors meat that came from the boar Saehrimnir, which the cook Andhrimnir would prepare for eating by boiling it in the cauldron Eldhrimnir. The boar magically came back to life before the next meal. After eating, the warriors would go outside the hall and fight each other to the death. They were, of course, brought back to life before the next feast. All of this fighting was practice for when Odin would lead the Einheriar in the final battle, Ragnarok.

Odin had a spear named Grungir which never missed its mark and a bow which unleashed ten arrows with every pull. He also owned a magic ring called Draupnir which created nine of itself every night. It was this ring that Odin laid on his son Balder's funeral pyre and which Balder returned to Odin from the underworld. Another one of Odin's prized possesions was his wonderful steed named Sleipnir which had eight legs. The horse was the offspring of Loki, who in mare form seduced a giant's horse named Svadilfari. Sleipnir could travel to the underworld and through the air. Odin also had two wolves, Geri and Freki, and two ravens, Hugin [thought] and Munin [memory]. He sent his ravens out every day to gather knowledge for him. Odin sacrificed himself for knowledge by hanging on the world tree, Yggdrasil, which means Ygg's horse. Ygg is a name for Odin and horse is a metaphor for the gallows. He thereby learns the runes. Another sacrifice he made for wisdom was his eye. He gave it up in order to drink from the Well of Mimir which bestowed great knowledge.

Because of this, he is typically depicted as having one eye. He is also depicted as wearing a cloak, being old, having a long grey beard, and wearing a wide brimmed hat down low over his face to conceal his one-eyed visage. Odin was destined to die at Ragnarok; Fenris-Wolf swallowed him. Knowing his fate, he still chose to embrace it and do battle. Showing the true warrior ethic. He was the god of warriors and kings, not the common man. Many heroes genealogies start with Odin, including Sigurd. His name is not found in many place names and therefore it is believed that not many people worshipped him. He was thought to be a traitorous god, as shown in the sagas, who would strike down a warrior at his whim. Odin is wild, furious, angry, almost mad with a wild kind of unleashed fury. The All Father, the Val Father (God or Father of the Valiant Dead). He knew he was king of the gods and must rule wisely and with foreknowledge. He first went to Mimir to ask for a drink from the well so he would have foreknowledge. Mimir refused at first.

He finally relented but for a heavy price: one of Odin's eyes. So Odin took out a dagger and pried an eye out and threw it into the well. Thus, Odin knows the long-range future. His right eye is missing and he doesn't wear a patch over the socket. Odin also knew that he needed ultimate wisdom. So he took a spear and stabbed himself and hung himself on a tree for nine days as a corpse. At the end of that time, he turned himself back into a god again and had attained the wisdom which he sought. (A possible manifestation of the crucifixion of Christ? The enlightenment also parallels Buddha.) The tree is called the Hanging Tree or the Gallows Tree. From this event comes the phrase "riding the Gallows Tree" which refers to hanging -- sometimes as a sacrifice to Odin. These are the two forms of self-sacrifice Odin had to go through in order to rule well. Annually, toward mid-winter (December), Odin goes out on a hunt with friends (other gods) and dogs. He makes a tremendous amount of noise as he rides across the sky. This is called the Wild Hunt or the Wild Ride. If you see it, you will die.

It is good luck to hear it, but a human is never to look upon it. Odin is a vigorous man with a long, grey beard (50-60 years old). He is powerful, with armor and a long cloak. When on Earth, he wears a floppy hat which covers his missing eye. He is a sky god, so the cloak is blue or black. He carries a spear, called the Invincible Spear. He has, as does each god, his own hall with a throne only for him. From there, he can see almost everything, yet he has information brought back to him constantly by the eagle and hawk who sit high in the branches of the World Tree and by two ravens who perch either on his shoulder or on the back of his throne. The ravens are Thought and Memory. At his feet sit two wolves or dogs. They do not have names. Both wolves and ravens are associated with warfare and death. No mild beings are associated with Odin. He is a fearsome battle god. The highest and holiest god of the Northern races. He is the god of universal wisdom and victory.

According to some sources he has the Valkyries collect half of the slain following any battle, according to other sources the Valkyries only collect heros. These warriors are then brought across Bifrost and into Valhalla. These warriors are known as the Einherjar. Odin's symbols include the raven, the wolf, and the spear. Odin is said to have two ravens, Hugin (thought) and Munin (memory) that he sends forth into the world every day to gather information for him. He is also said to have two wolves Geri (greedy) and Freki (fierce). He is said to feed the wolves the meat from his plate in Valhalla as all he needs for sustenance is Mead. Odin's spear, Gungnir, crafted by the sons of Ilvadi, is said to have the power to determine victory in battle. Another of Odhinn's symbols is the valknut, three triangles interlaced.

Odhinn was the giver of runes to mankind and was also responsible for the rescue of the poetic mead of inspiration Ogres In Norse mythology, Ogres are creatures who make the storms and who with their iron clubs strike the earth and send it flying into the air. Olvadi The Jotun father of Thiazzi, Idi, and Gang. When he died, Olvadi left such a large amount of gold to his sons that no scale could measure it. Otter Son of Reidmar, brother of Regin and Fafnir. Otter was a shape changer while in the form of an otter he was killed by Loki. Outgard The wife of Aegir, she was the sea goddess of storms. She collects drowned people in her net. In Norse mythology Ran is the wife of Aegir. It is she who uses a net to draw the sailors of sinking ships to their doom. Ran is Aegir's wife and sister. Her names means "robber." She is not quite as "nice" as Aegir. She likes to entice mariners and then snares them with her net.

She then slowly draws them down to the bottom of the sea and drowns them, robbing their families. When someone dies at sea, Ran is considered a Goddess of Death (at sea). She has a weakness: she LOVES gold. Many mariners in a storm would throw gold overboard to appease her. She is called "Mother of the Nine Waves" (which are thought of as daughters). It was popular to believe that waves came in groups of nine. Nine is thought to be a magic number in many cultures. Wife of ï¿½gir, possibly also his sister. She is a sea divinity, she is said to gather up the drowned in her net. It was from her that Loki borrowed the net used to gather up the ransom to cover Otter's skin. Ragnarok In Norse mythology, ragnarok is the ultimate battle between good and evil from which a new order will come. Regin Son of Reidmar, brother of Otter and Fafnir. Regin adopted the hero Sigurd after the events of Otter's Ransom. Reidmar, Hreidmar Son of Egil, brother of Roskva.

He became Thor's servant during Thor's Journey to Utgard. Thiassi, Tjasse, Thjazi In Norse mythology, Thiassi was a giant who slay Thor and cast his eyes up into heaven where they shone thereafter as stars. A powerful storm giant, son of Olvadi, brother of Gang and Idi, father of Skadi. Thokk Thokk is the name of the one creature in all the worlds that refused to weep over Balder's death. It is believed that Thokk was Loki in disguise. Thor, Thundor, Thunor, Donar Thor was the Norse god of thunder. The son of Odin and a member of the Aesir, he was the god of thunder and the main enemy of the giants. He would smash their heads with his mighty hammer Mjollnir. To wield this awesome weapon he needed iron gloves and a belt of strength. Mjollnir would return to Thor's hand after being thrown and was symbolic of lightning. Thor would ride around middle-earth in his wagon drawn by two goats, His abode was Thruthheim [Land of Strength] and his hall, Bilskinir. His wife was Sif.

He was foremost of the gods to the common man, who would call on him to ensure fertility, and widely worshiped. Hammer shaped amulets, a symbol of Thor because it was his weapon, were worn about the neck well into the christianization of Scandinavia. There are molds from that time which contain both cross and hammer shapes, side by side. His name occurs in numerous place names, and it was his statue which was central in the great temple at Uppsala. Thursday is named for him and he was associated by the Romans with Jupiter. Donar was an early version of Thor among the early Germans. The anglo-saxons worshiped a thunder god named Thunor. Thor is the wielder of Mjollnir and the defender of Asgard. He is described as a massive red-bearded champion wearing iron gloves and a belt/girdle of might, Megingjardir. He is the only god forbidden to cross Bifrost, for fear that his lightnings could destroy the bridge or that he would set it aflame by the heat of his presence.

Thor rides in a chariot drawn by two goats, Tanngniost (Toothgnasher) and Tanngrisnir (Toothgrinder). The rolling of the wheels of this chariot is said to create the thunder that rolls across the heavens Thrall Son of Edda, husband of Esne. Their descendants became the peasants and laborers of the world. Daughter of Thor and Sif, sister of Lora. Thrud was promised to the dwarf Alvis by the gods. Thrud Daughter of Thor. The dwarf Alvis wanted to marry her but Thor tricked him into being above ground when the sun came up, turning him into stone. Thrudgelmir

Question: In Norse mythology, of what was 'Aegir' the god?
Answer: THE SEA